About the role

We are on the lookout for a hands-on Team Leader in our Microbiology team where you’ll balance technical expertise with people leadership. You will take ownership of day-to-day laboratory performance, team leadership and continuous improvement initiatives.

In this critical role you’ll lead the team to ensure testing is completed on time, quality standards are maintained, and your team is supported to perform at their best.

You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, procurement, technical, and NPD teams, as well as external customers, regulators, and laboratories.

Key responsibilities of this role include..

• Lead and support a laboratory team to deliver accurate, high-quality results on time
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and relevant quality standards
• Monitor performance, analyse data, and drive timely investigations into deviations, non-conformances, and quality issues
• Ensure effective resource planning, including staffing, equipment, and consumables, to meet operational demands
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimisation and adoption of new technologies
• Provide technical guidance on testing methods, equipment, and quality systems
• Manage stakeholder relationships and communicate technical information clearly across internal and external parties
• Support audit readiness, participate in audits, and ensure timely closure of findings
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning to support business outcomes

About you

You are a confident leader with a strong technical laboratory background and the ability to bring structure, clarity, and motivation to a team environment.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Microbiology, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an IANZ accredited laboratory in microbiology testing, or a similar field.
• Solid understanding of ISO 17025, ISO methods, and regulatory frameworks (FDA, GLP, GMP)
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or laboratory setting
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, staying agile and responding quickly to shifting priorities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts
• Strong organisational and planning ability with a focus on meeting deadlines
• A proactive, continuous improvement mindset
• Experience in dairy microbiology testing will be highly regarded.

About us – The Synlait Spirit

Synlait is more than a global leader in milk nutrition – we're a purpose-led team that’s Doing Milk Differently For A Healthier World. Our Synlait Spirit guides everything we do, from how we show up each day to the impact we create together. You’ll be joining an authentic, down-to-earth team that lives the three values that underpin the Synlait Spirit.

Be The Difference means we understand before we act – that means asking why, supporting each other to think differently, stay curious, and continuously look for smarter ways to deliver value. Whether it’s in the paddock, the plant or the boardroom, we’re driven by impact and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day.

We Move as One by working together with respect, trust and a shared commitment to doing what’s right. We collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions and create opportunity for those around us.

We feed the world’s most vulnerable, including newborn babies, so we have to be Right on the Mark . That means we take accountability seriously, act with courage and focus our energy on what matters most. We combine expert farming and state of the art processing to deliver high quality nutritional products to all over the world.

At Synlait you’ll be challenged and supported to grow. We know everyone brings something unique to the table so we’re an inclusive workplace, where diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success.

What we offer:

• Health insurance cover & partnered with top brands for great benefits and discounts
• Excellent parental leave with our Matua policy
• B Corp TM certified
• Social Club membership opportunities

What's next?

Include your most recent CV and cover letter summarising your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck in your application. We encourage you to apply early as we will be reviewing applications regularly and may close the advertisement early.

Together we will continue to create a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.

Applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

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